Embalmer/ Funeral Director
Below are a few useful links that will guide you into a career within the funeral industry:
National Society of Aligned and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) offers relevant education and training, such as modules at The Independent Funeral Directors (IFD) College, webinars, regional meetings and other means of education.
British Institute of Embalmers (BIOE) provides information on regional embalming and funeral industry schools. They host relevant classes for those in the UK, Europe and all the way to Australia. You can also access articles through this page, which give more information on procedures and processes to start your career within the funeral industry.
National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) offers qualifications and training for those already in the industry and those looking to enter it. Some of which include Funeral Service Awareness Training; a Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration; and a Diploma in Funeral Directing.
British Institute of Funeral Directors (BIFD) provides two courses for further training for those already in the industry: The Certificate in Funeral Service and The Diploma in Funeral Service. You will be assigned a specific tutor with BIFD to continue your training and education with.
Embalmer role
Embalmers prepare the bodies of dead people before their funeral. Embalming is carried out for three reasons:
To preserve the body from the time of death until the funeral.
To present the body in a natural, lifelike way that gives the appearance of sleep.
To prevent any infection spreading to relatives and funeral staff.
Useful Links
https://www.bioe.co.uk/education/
No formal qualifications are required for entering embalming. Some employers may prefer applicants with GCSE's (A*-C), including English, or equivalent qualifications. Subjects such as maths, science and religious studies may also be useful.
You can get into this job through:
working towards this role
specialist courses run by a professional body
<Taken from NCS>
Vacancies for qualified embalmers are advertised in trade publications, such as The Funeral Director Monthly, Funeral Service Journal or Funeral Service Times.
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
sensitivity and understanding
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
customer service skills
the ability to work well with your hands
physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
a desire to help people
the ability to use your initiative
knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Funeral Director
You would help bereaved families with the arrangements for funerals. You’d give people advice and support at a distressing time.
You’d talk with the family of the deceased person, make the funeral arrangements and help them complete the legal requirements for the burial or cremation. You’d need to be able to deal sensitively with people who are distressed.
You’d arrange for the body of the deceased to be kept at your funeral home or another location – the place of rest – before the funeral.
You can get into this job through:
an apprenticeship
working your way up
Apprenticeship
You can start by taking an intermediate apprenticeship as a funeral team member.
Once you have 12 months' industry experience, you can do a funeral director advanced apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:
some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
You could take a Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration, or a Certificate in Funeral Service, while you work.
As you take on more responsibilities, you could do the Diploma in Funeral Directing or the Diploma in Funeral Service.
<Taken from NCS>
Skills needed:
Positive attitude
Ethical
Time management
Developing a plan
Attention to detail
Listening
Verbal communication
Written communication
Supporting
Empathy
Work experience
Work experience - local employers
Blackpool Victoria Hospital are currently asking students to apply for a range of work experience opportunities directly.
Please email requests to bfwh.apprenticeandworkexperience@nhs.net with a brief explanation of what you are looking for and what you would like to gain out of your placement, stating a preferred date and location for you application.
